Uganda is set to host the African Export-Import Bank Regional Office, government has revealed.
Briefing journalists about the Monday Cabinet resolutions at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, Frank K. Tumwebaze, the Minister of ICT & National Guidance, who is also the Cabinet Spokesperson, said: “It (Cabinet)approved establishment of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM) Regional Office in Uganda (implementation) Bill, 2018,” he said, adding that establishing the Office in Kampala will benefit Uganda.
However, according to African Export Import Bank’s website, it has branch offices in Harare, Abuja, Abidjan and Nairobi. It is not yet clear whether the Nairobi office will be closed.
AFREXIM was established in Abuja, Nigeria in October, 1993 by African Governments, African private and institutional investors as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing, promoting and expanding intra-African and extra-African trade..
The Bank, headquartered in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, commenced operations on 30 September, 1994, following the signature of a Headquarters Agreement with the host Government in August, 1994.
Under the Chairmanship of President Yoweri Museveni, the Cabinet also approved appointment of members of National Building Review Board. These include Emmanuel Male, James Mugasa Erochue, Grace Mary Mugasa, Milton Fred Ocen, Jonathan Tugume, Harriet Kaahwa, Mary Kagonza, Eva Katusabe, Margaret Adata, Dr. Jackson Amone, Architect Kibbamu Enoch, Apollo Mukasa, Charles Kyamanywa, Tabitha Kakuze, Betty Nakamya and Edward Ssimbwa.
“The Review Board is to monitor buildings developments, ensure designs & construction of buildings & utilities to which the public is to have access cater for persons with disabilities. The Board will also oversee, inspect & monitor operations of building committees, prepare & submit to the Minister, reports relating to any matter of building development,” Tumwebaze said.
He added that it will also hear and determine appeals from persons dissatisfied with decisions of building committee, determine the fees to be charged by Urban and District Building Committees for approval of pans, issue of building permits and lawful functions.
